After dropping their first game of the season to the then-winless Dallas Mavericks, the Memphis Grizzlies bounced back to win in front of the home crowd.
You know the drill. The Memphis Grizzlies ball out against the league’s elite then drop games to the bottom-dwellers of the NBA. It makes sense, because logic, right?
In last night’s game, the Grizzlies rallied after losing to the Mavericks the night before to beat them, 96-91.
It wasn’t a dominant performance like it should’ve been. In fact, they were up by 14 points at the end of the first quarter and blew the lead. Complacency is a problem that surely needs some fixing. However, the stars put the team on their backs once again to pull out their fourth win in five games.
Stats to watch
- Tyreke Evans: 19 points, six rebounds, 3-for-5 shooting from deep
Once again, Tyreke Evans provided a spark off the bench, playing a huge role in another Grizzlies win. With so much uncertainty around this team, Evans is a major key. He has a knack for scoring the ball, and when he’s on, you should just get out of the way.
One thing to notice in his game is his outside shooting. So far, he’s shot 8-of-18 (44.4 percent) from behind the arc this season — a rate that would shatter his career high. He might not be able to maintain that 44.4 3-point percentage, but if he could hover between 35 and 40 percent, it’ll be a huge lift for this offense.
- Marc Gasol: 25 points and 13 rebounds
After much criticism regarding his low rebounding numbers, Marc Gasol has come out the gate to prove everyone this season. So far, he’s only had one game without 10 or more rebounds. Not to mention, it’s his third 20-10 game of the season.
If he could stay in “Aggressive Marc” mode, he’ll not only make the Grizzlies’ playoff hopes easier, but he’ll stay in the “league’s best center” conversation for another season.
- Dillon Brooks: +12
For the third time this season, Dillon Brooks has had a plus/minus of over +10. He’s also only had one game with a negative plus/minus — which came in the team’s only loss.
Regardless of his scoring output, he’s made a difference in the game. He can score from anywhere and shoot from deep with accuracy. He’s active on defense and on the glass.
He’s seized the opportunity with Ben McLemore and Wayne Selden out, and Brooks is hard to take out of the rotation at this point.
- Jarell Martin: Nine rebounds and five blocks
Once JaMychal Green went down, seeing production from the power forward position wasn’t promising. At the moment, Chandler Parsons is only playing 15 minutes a night. Ivan Rabb is primarily going to be a Hustle mainstay. Then, there’s Jarell Martin.
The once-considered-waived big man blossomed in the preseason, but no one knew if his solid play was sustainable.
In Green’s absence, he excelled, and last night was an example. He was active on defensive, swatting a career-best five shots. In addition, he hauled in nine rebounds — tying a career-high.
Martin has proven himself as a capable fourth or fifth option in either the backcourt or frontcourt. He can attack and shoot from the perimeter and crash the glass.
The Grizzlies’ success without Green hinges on Martin.
- Grizzlies record when Chandler Parsons plays: 4-0.
This one is for the ones who think Parsons isn’t important to this team. 4-0 with him, 0-1 without him.
Next: 5 takeaways from 1st loss
The Memphis Grizzlies’ will be back at home, continuing their four-game home stretch. They’ll battle the Houston Rockets, who will look to avenge their loss in Houston this past Monday.